Posted on February 08, 2010 by Glen Johnson

Hundreds of plus-size fashion stores and more Ultimate Plus-Size Shopping List!

Before Thanksgiving last year we had to replace our washing machine.  My lovely assistant wanted to get one of those washer/dryer combo units to save us the time and effort that resulted from hanging clothes on the line outside or having to go to the laundry mat during the winter.  What does this have to do with plus size fashion?  Your laundry habits will change your shopping habits by justifying the added cost of some clothes as well as knowing that you have a machine that will properly clean your favorite pieces.  Read on.

We went shopping for units only to be stonwalled by sales people saying that combo units could only wash one item and did not clean as well as washing and drying in separate units.  Side Note:  Folks if you do not want to have a huge frustrating day do not shop for 3 major appliances in one day. After discovering we would not be able to find a combo unit locally we shopped online and found the Triton Ventless Combination Washer/Dryer that you see in the photo.

Let me tell you this has been the best investment we have ever made.  At a cost of $899.00 it cost a bit more than most would typically spend but far less than the $1500 for other brands and it comes with these bonuses:

• One table spoon of laundry detergent per load (Yes you read that right)
• Uses less electricity
• Uses less water
• Wash and dry in same unit
• Compact in size

Having a front loading machine did take some getting used to but with the money we have saved on detergent, water, and electricity it was worth it.  As I stated above using only one tablespoon of detergent per load stretched a 40 load container to over 150 loads!  Additionally, the clothes come out slightly damp allowing you to hang them up and them dry wrinkle free which will all but eliminate the need to iron.

With those fantastic features you would think one would be in every home in America but with the good comes the bad.  Though in our house these issues are not a real problem for some people it may be a deal breaker.

• A full load would consist of 2-3 shirts, 1-3 pair of jeans, or 2-3 towels
• The spin cycle is loud
• From washing to drying a complete cycle can take up to 2 1/2 hours.
• 2 loads per day are suggested

Combo units are more popular in countries that space is at a premium which may explain why more people in the US do not know about them but in my opinion everybody should have one.  If you act before February 14th Compact Appliances is offering free tax, shipping, and returns.  We got the same deal back in November making it worth the added cost.  What do you think would you be willing to buy a unit like this?